BishopAccountability.org
	Diocese Seeks the Truth By Rev. Samuel J. Aquila In-Forum December 22, 2009 http://www.inforum.com/event/account:login/desturl/event/article/id/263589/ From time to time, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests issues a news release that is critical of the manner in which the Diocese of Fargo has addressed its response to individuals who allege abuse by clergy decades ago. Because our public statements in response are sometimes reduced to a one-line quote, I would like to more fully communicate to readers, hopefully for the last time, where I, as the current bishop of Fargo, stand on the subject of the abuse of children, sexual misconduct of any kind, and the church’s pastoral outreach. No form of child abuse or sexual misconduct of any kind is now nor ever was considered acceptable within the church. I and my staff are committed to this truth. Under my leadership since 2001, the diocese has taken numerous positive steps to ensure that a safe environment pervades each and every one of our parishes, schools and affiliated institutions. We have worked hard to ensure that anyone in the Diocese of Fargo who has knowledge of or suspects child abuse understands his or her duty to make a full report to all appropriate authorities as required by North Dakota law. In addition to complying with child abuse reporting obligations, the Catholic Church of Fargo is equally committed to providing pastoral outreach to anyone who has experienced inappropriate sexual behavior by any member of the clergy, a teacher, employee or other church worker. Briston Fernandes, victim assistance coordinator, and our vicar general, Monsignor Joseph Goering, are available to help.
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